Daniel Caesar - The Fillmore

Detroit, MI // August 11, 2019

On a quiet Sunday evening in Detroit, The Fillmore was anything but, as anxious fans lined outside the famous Detroit venue to see one of the hottest R&B singers, Daniel Caesar. The singer-songwriter from Oshawa, Canada is coming off one of his best years, winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance earlier this year. In the same year he released his highly-anticipated sophomore album, Case Study 01, considered a hit amongst critics. Daniel gained popularity from his debut album, Freudian, which was released in 2017. His new album consists of contributions from artists such as Pharrell Williams, John Mayer, and Brandy. 

The show started with the talented 19-year old Jamaican singer-songwriter, Koffee. Even at a young age, Koffee did not shy away from the bright lights. She loosened up the Fillmore crowd with her vibrant tunes and electric performance. Koffee is definitely a young artist to watch out for.

“As soon as the lights went down for Daniel to take stage, the whole place erupted. . .He opened his set with songs from his new album at which the crowd sang right back to him passionately.”

The last time Daniel Caesar performed in Detroit was at Mo Pop 2018 where he completely stole the show. The Fillmore was buzzing throughout the night waiting restlessly for Daniel just like that night a year ago. As soon as the lights went down for Daniel to take stage, the whole place erupted. Daniel was backed up by his talented band, who were hidden behind a thin sheet that stretched in the background that made the show even more intimate. He opened his set with songs from his new album at which the crowd sang right back to him passionately. Although Daniel’s fans are predominantly female, the male fans can be seen singing as passionately as their counterparts. That is simply the power of Daniel Caesar. As if the place couldn’t get any louder, it erupted as soon as “Get You” started playing. It was at the point where the crowd took over the first verse and Daniel held out his mic towards them in awe. 

Daniel Caesar is a rising star that can’t be stopped. If you haven’t listened to his new album, Case Study 01, check it out now. 

You can also catch him on his 2019 Case Study 01 Tour: danielcaesar.com

For photos from this show, go to: Sonic Live Media Photo Gallery

Written by: Paul John Farinas, Sonic Live Media

The Aces - El Club

Detroit, MI // March 6, 2019

Even single-digit wind chills could not keep fans of The Aces from lining up early to grab the best spot to enjoy the all-female rock band from Provo, Utah.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Cristal Ramirez, guitarist Katie Henderson, bassist McKenna Petty, and drummer Alisa Ramirez brought their “Waiting For You” sold-out headlining tour to the El Club an intimate venue in southwest Detroit. Hours before the general admission doors opened, die-hard fans enjoyed a Q&A, photos, and meet and greet. As the crowd grew, you could feel the energy and love for the four-member group that consists of siblings, best friends, and former schoolmates. Even though attendance consisted primarily of female onlookers don’t let this all-female pop-rock act be labeled anything short of a true rock band!

“After experiencing their talented instrument playing, well-written lyrics, and energetic sound I can guarantee this will be the last time you will be able to take in The Aces in a setting of this size.”

Tishmal, a San Diego native and current Provo resident, opened the show. Her natural celestial sounds reminded me of Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine, Birdy, and Liz Fraser. Tishmal was the name given to Rachel Brockbank when she started writing music. The name means “hummingbird” in Luiseño, the language of her Native American heritage. The electronic sounds and the moving vocals put the energetic gathering into motion.

The Aces then took the stage playing tracks off their debut album “When My Heart Felt Volcanic”. Taking a cue from their album title, the venue erupted into a fan and band interaction rarely seen in a live show.  The connection and chemistry grew with each song. After experiencing their talented instrument playing, well-written lyrics, and energetic sound I can guarantee this will be the last time you will be able to take in The Aces in a setting of this size.

Do yourself a favor and listen to both of these acts and check them out the next time they tour even remotely close to you.

For more information, check them out at:

Tishmal www.tishmal.com

The Aces www.theacesofficial.com

For photos from this show, go to: Sonic Live Media Photo Gallery

Written by: Attila Hardy, Sonic Live Media

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Haley Knox - PJ Lager House

Detroit, MI // February 17, 2019

On a cold, wintery night in the historic Corktown district, Detroit's oldest extant neighborhood, three female singers came together with a variety of styles and talents to warm the souls of concertgoers. In the shadow of former Tiger Stadium, music lovers filed in to PJ's Lager House, which opened in 1914, to see 20-year-old Hailey Knox on her first headlining tour along with special guests Allye Gaietto and LeLe XO.

LeLe Xo warmed up the crowd with her alternative pop/R&B blended sound with touches of electronic and rock fusion. She got everyone dancing and grooving. She was followed by melodist, Allye Gaietto, who was accompanied by her full band. While Gaietto's soothing vocals and piano ballads drew you in, her witty banter and perfectly timed “ba-dum-bum-CHING" by the drummer entertained.

“From time to time, you get the opportunity to see a musician in a smaller setting — knowing that you will hear great things from them in the future.”

The talented Hailey Knox then took the stage. The Upstate New York state native captured your attention with her progression through different genres. In support of her recently released "Hardwired Mixtape," Knox showed she cannot be pigeonholed into a certain sound or category. She showed off her singer-songwriter talents, while blending in edgy lyrics and mixing in some rap and Ozzy Osbourne verses.

While performing solo, her presence was eclipsed by her use of looping with beats off her guitar. From time to time, you get the opportunity to see a musician in a smaller setting — knowing that you will hear great things from them in the future. You realize that despite driving through a snowfall to attend their first headlining show, it would be well worth the experience. This was represented by Hailey's song “Hardwire” being played on ABC's Grey's Anatomy a few days after performing her set.

For more information, check them out at:

LeLe Xo www.iamlelexo.com

Allye Gaietto www.allyeg.com

Hailey Knox www.haileyknoxmusic.com

For photos from this show, go to: Sonic Live Media Photo Gallery

Written by: Attila Hardy, Sonic Live Media